Thewesternbalkans.
At the Council for Foreign Affairs in Luxembourg, High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans to European stability and EU enlargement. She highlighted ongoing efforts to advance EU integration for the region, dividing countries into three categories:
Progressing countries: Albania and Montenegro were praised for reforms and forward momentum toward EU accession.
Problematic cases: Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a constitutional crisis. Kallas stressed that any attempt to undermine its integrity is unacceptable and called on political leaders to bridge divisions.
Serbia and Kosovo: The normalization of relations remains crucial. Kallas reaffirmed the importance of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, noting that a new EU Special Representative has been appointed and she plans to visit both countries in May.
Kallas underscored that EU membership is key to long-term peace and stability in the region:
“The best way to proceed is to have them all in the European Union… this is what the people want and hope for.”
The Council also warned candidate countries against participating in Russia’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, given the ongoing war in Ukraine. This is particularly relevant to Serbia, as President Vučić has expressed intentions to attend the Moscow parade, despite past gestures toward the EU. He has already refused one visit to Russia on the occasion of the summit of the BRICS countries. Then he made a demonstration in favour of the EU and his meeting with the president of the EU Commission Ursula von del Leyen. Now, however, there is already a promise on his part to attend the parade on May 9.
Interestingly, North Macedonia was not mentioned during the session—raising questions about its current standing in the EU enlargement agenda.
